WSU freshmen show promise for 2013 football campaign

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PULLMAN, WA - Though the Washington State Cougars football season is over during a time when other teams are talking about bowl games, there is reason to think positively.

The inspiring play of the team's freshman offers a great deal of promise for the 2013 campaign. Head Coach Mike Leach and company found themselves playing a great deal of younger players. Seventeen freshman saw field-time in 2012, including wide receiver Brett Bartolone, who has not surprisingly drawn comparisons to former Texas tech product and current NFL star Wes Welker. Leach recently shared his thoughts on playing the younger guys.

"Almost every time, with rare exception, if you play a freshman it's because you're forced to," said Leach. "It's not because you want to, you're forced to. But every time I have, the next year--if they play significantly--they grow fast."

The Wazzu football coach said that growth gives him reason to say wow, once he sees them in their sophomore and junior campaigns, because he knows he's got something pretty special for more seasons.